Description
This Orange Dreamsicle Salad is a nostalgic, creamy dessert salad that’s bursting with citrusy flavor and velvety texture. It’s made with sweet mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, whipped topping, and a creamy vanilla pudding base. Perfect for a quick breakfast, easy dinner side, healthy snack, or party treat—it’s a no-bake, crowd-pleasing favorite among all your food ideas. If you love breakfast ideas or are hunting for summer-friendly dinner ideas, this easy recipe will win you over!
Ingredients
1 can (15 oz) mandarin oranges, drained
1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup mini marshmallows
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or shredded coconut for texture
Instructions
1. Drain mandarin oranges and crushed pineapple very well to prevent excess moisture.
2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cottage cheese until smooth.
3. Gently fold in the whipped topping to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
4. Add the drained fruit and mini marshmallows to the mixture and fold in gently.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors blend and marshmallows soften.
6. Optional: Garnish with extra orange slices, whipped topping, or chopped nuts before serving.
Notes
Always use instant pudding mix—not cook-and-serve.
For best results, chill overnight for full flavor development.
Fold ingredients gently to avoid deflating the whipped topping and breaking fruit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: easy dessert, no-bake salad, orange salad, quick snack, creamy fruit salad